Mashua, Sapu-añu

Sapu-añu is an Andean heirloom variety originally brought to the USA by Oregon Exotics. We have Oregon Exotics to thank for importing many varieties of Andean tubers in the years before laws in both the US and South America made it virtually impossible to import new varieties.

This variety has large, thick yellow tubers without contrasting eyes.  The tubers range in size from less than an inch to nearly a foot, but most are in the four to six inch range.  The plants are large and vigorous, almost as tall as Blanca on a trellis.  The flavor is on the mild side, stronger than any of the white varieties, but milder than most of the colored varieties.  In very wet conditions, this variety is susceptible to both staining and cracking.  These problems don’t make the tubers any less edible, but they can reduce storage life.  If your mashua is going to have wet feet, Orange may be a better choice than Sapu-añu, although the tubers look great together.